lithium batteries

[Robdean]

Have just replaced several lithium batteries in our stopwatches. Is there an acceptable means of disposing of the used batteries - HT not sure, and CSIS talks about elemental lithium etc but not specifically batteries. If I store them in a jar in the chem store for the next pickup (!?!) will that be OK.

Thanks!
Robdean

[Slartibartfast]

Found this Robdean:

Lithium (metal) batteries contain no toxic metals, however, there is the possibility of fire if the metallic lithium is exposed to moisture while the cells are corroding. Most lithium batteries are non-rechargeable and are used in cameras, hearing aids and defense applications. For proper disposal, the batteries must first be fully discharged to consume the metallic lithium content.
Lithium-ion batteries used for cell phones and laptops do not contain metallic lithium and the disposal problem does not exist. Most lithium systems contain toxic and flammable electrolyte.

[Robdean]

Thanks for that Richard